NEW YORK, NY – JULY 22: Jemele Hill speaks onstage during OZY Fest 2018 at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 22, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Ozy Media)
Brittney Griner’s situation in Russia has been the talk of the sports world for several weeks, and it’s understandable.
Earlier this week, Griner was convicted of drug trafficking. She was later sentenced to nine years in prison.
Before a Russian court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison, she apologized for having cannabis oil in her luggage in February.
“I never wanted to hurt anyone, I never wanted to endanger the Russian people, I never wanted to break the laws here,” Griner said. “I made an honest mistake and I hope in your decision it doesn’t end my life here. I know everyone keeps talking about political pawn and politics but I hope it’s away from this courtroom.”
Even though Griner denied any criminal intent, some people said she broke the law. On Friday, Jemele Hill took to Twitter to call out people who share the sentiment.
“Fascinating and so revealing where that ‘rules are rules’ energy comes from with Brittney Griner,” Hill tweeted.
Griner has been in Russia since his incident at an airport in February.
The United States reportedly had discussions with Russia about a possible prisoner exchange. Right now, that seems to be Griner’s only way back to America.
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